An anode for use in a lithium-ion battery consists of a polymeric gel binder made of at least two polymers having carboxylic acid groups and silicon particles. The polymers are chemically cross-linked to form a polymer network, and covalent ester bonds are formed between the polymer network and the silicon particles.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] This invention was made with government support under Grant No. DE-AC02-05CH11231, awarded by the Department of Energy. The Government has certain rights in the invention.